Defending champion TP Mazembe of Congo was thrown out of the African Champions League on Saturday for fielding an ineligible player - and three other teams were handed long-term suspensions from continental club competitions, reports the Sowetan. 

The Confederation of African Football also sanctioned six clubs for various disciplinary breaches and crowd problems, handing out fines totalling R1.5 million.

Mazembe was found guilty of fraudulently fielding Congolese Janvier Bokungu, in a Champions League preliminary stage match against Simba FC of Tanzania, CAF said. Mazembe will appeal.

Highlanders of Zimbabwe, Township Rollers of Botswana and Chad's Tourbillon were banned for three years for withdrawing from the Confederation Cup.

Bokungu was reportedly still contracted to Esperance.

CAF said TP Mazembe's place would go to the winner of a playoff between Simba and Morocco's Wydad Casablanca at a neutral venue.

Mazembe were also fined R105 300 for a pitch invasion by their fans.